Tata Steel has launched an intensive campaign to achieve international standards in Safety and Occupational Health. It has enlisted the service of leading agencies principal among who are M/s DuPont, to transform Tata Steel as they have done with others into a Safety benchmark in the industry. Tisco News spoke with Mr O B Krishna, Chief, Safety and Ergonomics to these initiatives.

TN : How would you rate Tata Steel’s safety record vis-à-vis other steel companies?

OBK: To be very honest, our safety record is not better than other Steel Plants. Obviously we have to improve our record.

TN : And the Safety Awareness level of the employees?

OBK: Effectiveness not just Safety Awareness is what is relevant. Safety awareness is not only about knowing safety rules, but following them too. Reacting before the accident occurs is the measure of “Safety Awareness”.

TN : What Safety Management process has the company followed in the earlier years?

OBK: All these years, safety management meant –running short term programmes; providing safety appliances; making Safety Department responsible for the safety of the plant; line managers did not really own safety and the Safety Dept had lacked expertise.

TN : The company has declared 2004 as the “Year of Safety” and is pursuing OHSAS 18001, what specific changes does it plan to introduce?

OBK: The Apex Safety Council headed by MD, decided that the year 2004 should be observed as the Year of Safety. The following safety improvement measures have been initiated :-

The Apex Safety Council has been rejuvenated; Safety will be the line managers function and each employee will have ownership of it with the Safety Dept. playing a supportive and professional role.

The safety organization is also being reinforced. To drive OHSAS Systems thoroughly into our systems, an OHSAS Implementation Centre has been commissioned. All the safety officers are involved in this process. It is said that 96% of accidents are caused due to the wrongful behaviour of the people. To address this aspect of “Behavioural Safety”, we are entering into a contract with M/s. DuPont who shall carry out necessary studies in the coming months and offer guidelines towards bringing about behavioural and attitudinal changes in our employees.

An intensive safety campaign has been launched through audiovisual films, audio cassettes, hoardings, banners and posters throughout the Works. The safety message is also being conveyed through the lively safety mascot “Janbaaz’ via intranet.

TN: What is your thrust area?

OBK: We have analysed and found road accidents comprise 30% the fatalities. Much can be achieved through “Calming of Traffic”, i.e. through disciplining the traffic. You will, therefore, soon see Speed Monitoring Cameras, Speed Benches, Road markings etc.

We have also instituted a very elaborate “Work Permit System” for various jobs being carried out in the Works and the people, including the contractors’ employees, have been thoroughly trained in this system so that all jobs are carried out with an eye on safety.

A Computerised Safety Information (a proactive system) system has been instituted wherein the unsafe conditions are logged and these are attended to on a time bound plan.

Under this system, we find that daily more than a hundred unsafe conditions are being logged and acted upon.

TN : With the current emphasis on modernisation and expansion, how is the company ensuring better Safety at the Steel Works?

OBK: Ergonomics affects 25% of the accidents. During Modernisation, this is being addressed at the design stage as far as possible. We are trying to add all safety features to the equipment, auxiliaries and processes in the expansion and upgradation programme even if the cost of the project increases.

TN: What is Ethics in Safety?

OBK: God has created us with beautiful limbs and handsome bodies. Ethics in Safety demands that we maintain it intact, in perfect condition. From home we are sent to Works with a cheerful ‘Tata”, and ethically we must reciprocate this gesture by returning home cheerfully from Works after a day’s work.

TN : Why, in your opinion, do Indians prefer to place such little emphasis on safety?

OBK: To my mind, with faster spread of education, and ethical behaviour getting a rightful place in people, most evils will be eliminated from our midst.